A review of philopatry and dispersal in felids living in an anthropised world

Abstract

Abstract Typically, males of polygamous mammals are responsible for population connectivity and gene flow via dispersal, whereas females, showing stronger philopatry, strengthen local population stability and growth. These expectations can be disrupted by human disturbances; however, this possibility has been poorly examined in wide‐ranging mammals that are important targets for conservation. By reviewing philopatry and dispersal in felids, we aimed to evaluate: 1) whether the sex‐related patterns of philopatry and dispersal predicted for polygamous mammals are prevalent in felids, 2) possible major causes underlying each of these behaviours, and 3) if, and to what extent, anthropogenic disturbances can alter patterns of philopatry and dispersal in this animal lineage. We synthesised the available literature (n = 55 papers) comprising 12 species. Puma concolor was the most‐studied species, followed by other large species. Both philopatry and dispersal were heterogeneously defined, depending on the study aim and the method employed (telemetry, camera trapping or molecular tools). Most species followed the predicted philopatric and dispersal patterns, and most study areas (76%) were under some type of anthropogenic disturbance drivers. Philopatry was linked to females’ higher dependency on the quality and availability of resources, and to their social dynamics, higher reproductive success, inclusive fitness and demographic aspects of population. Dispersal was frequently linked to competition for mates and resources, and inbreeding avoidance. However, some plasticity was observed in both philopatry and dispersal, especially under the presence of anthropogenic drivers. For example, hunting can create open territories, increasing the number of philopatric females and opportunistic philopatric males. Habitat fragmentation can increase population isolation and male dispersal distance, and the presence of anthropogenic or natural barriers can result in unsuccessful dispersal attempts. We postulate that human activities affect long‐term population persistence in the Felidae, via disruption of sex‐related patterns of spatial dynamics.